When Is The Application For Nsfas 2026-2027

When Is The Application For Nsfas 2026-2027

Essential Dates for NSFAS 2026-2027 Applications: Opening and Closing Times:

The NSFAS online application window for the 2026 academic year will officially open on September 20th, 2025, and close on December 15th, 2025. During this period, prospective applicants must visit the official NSFAS website and log in to the myNSFAS portal to begin their application process. NSFAS, a government initiative, provides financial support to South African students who wish to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties.

To be eligible for the NSFAS bursary, applicants must be South African citizens from households with an annual income of R350,000 or less. The funding covers essential student expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, transport, living allowances, book allowances, and more. However, it is important to note that only South African citizens who are currently enrolled in or applying to a public university or TVET college are eligible for NSFAS funding.

The NSFAS online application process is designed to be simpler and accessible to all, but applicants must ensure they follow each step carefully to ensure a complete and successful submission. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the application process, eligibility criteria, the necessary documents, and deadlines to help you successfully secure funding for your 2026 studies. By being well-prepared, you can go through the application with ease and make sure you meet all the requirements to receive the financial support you need.

Read: How To Apply For NSFAS 2026 Online Application Form

When Is The Application Open And Closing For Nsfas 2026-2027

• The online applications for Nsfas 2026-2027 will be open from the 20th of September 2025 and closing on the 15th of December 2025

Nsfas Late Applications For 2026-2027

• The late application window for the study season 2026 will be open from the 13th of January to the 27th of January 2025. Applicants who could not submit their applications in the initial application window can now hurry to do so as no grace period will be added.

Who Is Eligible To Apply Online For Nsfas 2026-2027

Below is the list of those who qualify to apply for NSFAS:

• All South African citizens
• All SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding
• Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350 000 per annum
• A person with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600 000 per annum
• Students who started studying before 2018 and whose household income is not more than R122 000 per annum.

What Will The NSFAS Bursary Cover For University Students

If you are enrolled in any of the public universities in South Africa, the Nsfas bursary can cover the following:

• Accommodation (As per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not exceed costs for university residence)
• Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7 500 per annum
• Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
• Book allowances R5200 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance of R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

What Will The NSFAS Bursary Cover For Tvet College Students

If you are enrolled in any of the public Tvet Colleges in South Africa, the Nsfas bursary can cover the following:

• Accommodation in an urban area is R24,000 per annum
• Accommodation in a peri-urban area is R18,900 per annum
• Accommodation in a rural area is R15,750 per annum
• Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7,350 per annum
• Transport R7000 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum

The Requirements Needed To Apply For Nsfas For 2026-2027

Students applying for NSFAS funding for the 2026 academic year must meet the following requirements:

Verification of Financial Status:

• NSFAS collects personal information from relevant agencies to confirm the employment status and income level of the applicant’s parents, guardians, or spouse.

NSFAS Declaration Form:

• This form must be completed by the school principal or a social worker for non-SASSA applicants.

Orphan and Vulnerable Child Declaration Form:

• Applicants under 18 years old must have this form completed by a social worker if they are non-SASSA recipients.

NSFAS Consent Form:

• This form must be signed by the applicant and/or their parent(s), guardian, or spouse. However, SASSA recipients are exempt from submitting this form (for non-SASSA applicants only).

Proof of Legal Guardianship:

• If an applicant has indicated they have a legal guardian, they must provide a court-issued document as proof.

Non-Court-Appointed Guardianship:

• If guardianship has not been legally appointed by a court, the applicant must submit the NSFAS Declaration Form instead.

Disability Annexure Form:

• This form must be completed by a certified medical professional, such as a registered doctor, optometrist, physiotherapist, or the head of a disability unit. It confirms the applicant’s disability status, specifies the required support services, and details how the applicant would benefit from the assistance provided.

Supporting Documents Needed To Apply For Nsfas For 2026-2027

Applicants applying for Nsfas must have the following documents uploaded together with their application forms:

General Requirements:

• Certified copy of your ID or smart card (not older than 3 months).
• A signed and completed consent form.

For SASSA Recipients:

• Certified copy of your ID (not older than 3 months).
• A signed and completed consent form.

If Dependent on Parents/Guardian/Spouse:

• Certified ID copies of parent(s), guardian, or spouse (not older than 3 months).
• Proof of income of parent, guardian, or spouse (payslip or appointment letter).

If Financially Independent (No Parental/Guardian Support):

• Proof of income (payslip or appointment letter).
• IRP5 for the past three years.

For Applicants with Disabilities:

• Completed and signed Annexure A form.

For Orphans:

• Completed and signed Declaration Form.

Additional Documents (If Applicable):

• Retrenchment letter or UIF documentation.
• Death certificate(s).
• Divorce decree.

Also Read: When Will Nsfas Open For 2026 Applications

Apply For Nsfas For 2026-2027

The guide below will lead you to apply successfully for Nsfas:

• Go to the official Website of Nsfas @www.nsfas.org.za
• Click on the myNsfas tab to create an account
• Log in to your account if you already have one
• Click on the Apply tab
• Complete the section that appears on the screen by providing every required information
• Upload the required documents
• Review carefully
• Click on the Submit tab

Contact Details Of Nsfas

• Toll-Free Number: 0800 067 327
• Email: info@nsfas.org.za
• Website: www.nsfas.org.za

Physical Address:

• The Halyard Building, 4 Christiaan Barnard Street,
• Cape Town City Centre, 8001,
• South Africa

Applying for NSFAS 2026 online at www.nsfas.org.za is a crucial step in securing financial aid for your studies. By ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria and submitting all required documents on time, you can increase your chances of approval. Visit the Official Website Of Nsfas For More Details.

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